Oklahoma Panhandle State University

OPSU is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. General governance of the institution is in the hands of the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges.

Academic programs and financial support are authorized and coordinated through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

The mission of OPSU is to provide higher education primarily for people of the Oklahoma Panhandle and surrounding areas through academic programs, cultural enrichment, lifelong learning experiences, and public service activities. The educational experiences are designed to prepare students for roles in agriculture, business, education, government, and industry and to enrich their personal lives.

Keeping with the spirit of our mission, “Progress Through Knowledge” we strive to be a university that is always progressing forward. Our commitment to truth, hard work, respect, and humility makes us family. With a future so bright, all you have to do is decide on a direction, make the commitment to work hard and we will get you there. Now that you are part of our family, people here will always be on your side and our campus will always be home, no matter where you go or what you do.

OPSU’s vision for the future is to build on its legacy of educational quality and service, while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a four-year state university located in the Oklahoma Panhandle. OPSU’s tuition and fees offer one of the most affordable choices comparatively with other U.S. universities. The OPSU campus is located in a small town where people are friendly and the weather is dry and hot in the summer, cold in the winter with frequent snow, and windy almost year round. It’s important that students who apply are aware of the small town environment and solitude of the Oklahoma Panhandle area. Students have said that they think it is very quiet and peaceful and this combination allows you much time to study. However, the environment can also make it difficult to find transportation and work on campus because it is such a small university. However, OPSU’s small class sizes and one-on-one advising from instructors provides huge advantages for many international students who may need more one-on-one time with their instructors to help them better understand the coursework.

The International Students Office ventures to provide all international students with the assistance and counsel they need while attending Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Some of the services offered are orientation to campus and life in the U.S., immigration and your visa, employment and practical training information, health concerns, and general academic planning. OPSU also offers entertainment amidst numerous social activities and opportunities. We are glad to help you with anything you might need!

Comprised of three distinct colleges, Oklahoma Panhandle State University accepts a diverse collection of students from all educational backgrounds. The programs of study offered at OPSU lead to nearly 60 different baccalaureate and associate degrees. In addition to the baccalaureate opportunities, OPSU offers several pre-professional studies in selected fields.

OPSU strives to enrich its student's lives educationally, personally, and socially. It is the hope that students matriculating at OPSU will receive life-long learning experiences that meet their needs, personally and vocationally.

During your college career, you will make many choices. One of those choices will be how you spend your time outside the classroom. The office of Student Affairs is your starting point to experience the full effect of what it means to be #WeArePanhandle. Whether it’s assisting through the enrollment process, offering unique opportunities for your educational experience or giving overall information for when, where and how to be involved on campus, we are here for you.

The educational experience at Oklahoma Panhandle State encompasses both classroom and extra-curricular learning opportunities where students can mature in a safe and candid environment. As a student, your active participation in a wide array of educational, cultural, recreational and social programs will determine the richness of your collegiate experience.

Academic scholarships are available through the Deans of each school and the Financial Aid Office for first-time freshmen and transfer students. The scholarship application is built into the OPSU application for admission. You must have applied to OPSU to be eligible for an academic scholarship.

OPSU makes every effort to make higher education affordable to all students. Once a student's financial need has been established, there are several ways in which the University can help.

OPSU was created by an act of the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1909 as Pan-Handle Agricultural Institute offering secondary agricultural education for the Panhandle area. In 1921, the legislature authorized the school to offer a two-year college curriculum, and the name was changed to Panhandle Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1925, the State Board of Agriculture authorized upper division college courses, and in the summer of 1926, junior and senior level courses were added to the curriculum. Two additional name changes have been ordered by the legislature: in 1967, Oklahoma Panhandle State College of Agriculture and Applied Science; in 1974, Oklahoma Panhandle State University.